Apathy And Frustration
p. 53 · Read in the full issue
In Rabaul
From Our Own Correspondent RABAUL, October 12.
IT is expected that, in time, a new aero drome will be built near Kabakaul near Kokopo) but when 4 this will be done is not known. Kabakaul' is, of course, a shambles but there is a great concen tration of men and equipment there— the former apparently just drifting about.
The whole area around Rabaul remains in a state of neglect, and an atmosphere of apathy prevails everywhere. Men go around dirty, unshaven and unkempt, and apparently do not care how things go. No one is willing to take responsi bility for anything.
Liquor is unprocurable at any of the stores, yet this writer has never before seen drink playing such a demoralising part in the Territory. There must be a large black-market store of it somewhere.
At all events, many are imbibing “jungle juice of some kind freely—and unwisely.
How The Money Goes
mHERE is comment on the way in which JL Australian money is being spent on the Australian. military forces here. The latest films are being flown in for the entertainment of the troops at enormous expense. The GOC, Bth Military District, maintains an impressive establishment, with a very fine yacht, two cars, a jeep and an aeroplane. No one knows the why or wherefore of it—excent that it all seems quite unnecessary—the war was over a year ago. But the poor old Aus tralian tax payer is paying for it.